Firearms dealer and former soldier acquitted in MOD rifles case

Tom Wilkins and Andrew Stone successfully defended their clients in a six-week trial at Winchester Crown Court. Allegations concerned the theft and handling of over £100,000 of firearms belonging to the Ministry of Defence.

Firearms dealer Adrian Bull, represented by Tom Wilkins, was acquitted of handling assault rifles at the end of the prosecution case after HHJ Parkes QC found that there was no case to answer. Andrew Stone represented Stuart Pemberton, a former long-serving Green Jacket and sniper instructor. He was acquitted unanimously by the jury of receiving a stolen sniper rifle that was subsequently sold, along with additional equipment, for £50,000.

This lengthy and complex trial, which originally contained 33 allegations, has yet to be concluded as the jury could not reach a verdict in respect of fellow defendant Peter Laidler.

For further details of the case as reported nationally, please click here.

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